On the day we were set to learn the genders of our twins, my partner and I were filled with excitement. As the ultrasound technician moved the wand across my partner’s belly, I could hardly contain my joy. “Baby A is… a girl,” the technician announced. More gel was added before searching for Baby B.
“Ah, there… Baby B is also a girl.”
With that revelation, my partner beamed, and I couldn’t help but share in her joy—two daughters! But a thought quickly crossed my mind as we headed to the elevator with our blurry sonogram pictures: “Two girls means two periods at the same time,” my partner remarked. As the reality of that statement sank in, I felt a wave of anxiety.
Reflecting on the past, my partner recalled her own awkward conversation about menstruation, while I couldn’t remember much about my own puberty discussions at all. For girls, puberty can kick in as early as age eight, leading to a myriad of changes that can feel overwhelming.
With our twin daughters nearing their sixth birthday, the looming discussion about puberty is on my mind. Thankfully, I recently learned about the concept of a “period box,” which has eased my apprehension.
What is a Period Box?
A period box is a thoughtful resource proposed by writer and blogger Emily Johnson. She suggests assembling a box for your daughter around the age of nine, although discussions about puberty can start much earlier. A customized period box can serve as a tool to facilitate these conversations and help parents guide their children through this transition.
According to Emily, creating a “first-period box” helps prepare girls for their first menstruation (known as menarche) by familiarizing them with the products they may need, making the experience less daunting. It also opens the door for discussions on the various sanitary protection options available, empowering your daughter to make informed choices. You can find some delightful eco-friendly boxes at The Period Store, which also provides ideas on what to include.
When we had “the talk” with our son a few years ago, it caught us off guard. One day, he came home from school and stated, “My teacher said we all need to buy deodorant over the weekend,” which propelled us into the deodorant aisle. This moment made it clear that it was time for an essential conversation.
For our son, we relied on informative books like “It’s So Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families.” While useful, books opened the conversation, but didn’t replace the discussions themselves. We let our son guide the dialogue, allowing him to voice his questions and concerns freely.
As I prepare for a different journey with my daughters, I’m excited to create a period box filled with items suggested by Emily’s blog. I’ll include sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, tampons, pain relief options, a heating pad, herbal tea, and (of course) chocolate. To make it special, I’ll also add a personal note inviting them to talk to me or their other parent whenever they feel ready.
Think of the period box as a care package filled with essentials, wisdom, and comfort. It’s essential that your daughter learns about these changes from you, rather than her friends, or worse—navigating it alone.
For more insights on related topics, check out our blog post here and explore authoritative resources like Make a Mom and Mayo Clinic.
Summary:
Creating a period box is a proactive way to prepare for discussions about puberty with your daughters. It offers them essential products and knowledge to navigate their first menstruation with confidence. Including a personal touch, such as a note inviting open conversations, can foster a supportive environment for them.
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